Melatonin can be a safe and effective sleep aid for all ages – but product inconsistencies and improper dosing lead to real harms

Because melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement rather than a drug in the US, there is little to no quality control over the wide array of product types.

By: Sally Ibrahim, Case Western Reserve University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 23, 2026

Words: 1,508

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Sally Ibrahim, Case Western Reserve University

Melatonin – a go-to sleep aid for kids and adults alike in many households in America – continues to create media buzz, with conflicting messages that leave people uncertain about its safety.

Some headlines point to melatonin’s supposed immunity boosting power, while others point to unestablished links between melatonin and heart failure.

I’m a pediatrician and sleep medicine doctor specializing in children, adolescents and adults. …

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